Health hazards

Technological hazards

Natural hazards

The nuclear emergency plan in Belgium primarily applies to the following sites: Doel and Tihange (Engie), Mol-Dessel (Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie SCK-CEN, Belgonucléaire and Belgoprocess) and Fleurus (Institut National des Radioéléments, IRE). Close to our borders are also other nuclear sites that may have an impact on our country in the event of a nuclear accident: the Delta nuclear power station in Borssele (Netherlands) and the Chooz nuclear power plant (France) operated by EDF.

If you do not live in a nuclear zone

All pharmacies in Belgium have iodine tablets at their disposal. We recommand the following vulnerable groups to get them from their local pharmacy:

Children (<18 years old)

Pregnant women

Women who breastfeed

Register for Be-Alert in order to be informed in the event of a nuclear accident.

If you're outdoors

Go inside the nearest building.

If you're in the car, go inside the nearest building: your car does not provide good protection.

Close windows and doors and switch all ventilation, heating and air-conditioning systems off.

Listen to the media. The authorities will give recommendations depending on how the situation evolves.

Avoid using the phone. Opt for sending text messages to avoid saturating the phone lines and to allow the emergency services to be able to make optimum use of the network.

If you're indoors

Follow the recommendations about taking shelter.

Listen to the media. The authorities will give recommendations depending on how the situation evolves.

Avoid using the phone. Opt for sending text messages to avoid saturating the phone lines.

If the authorities recommend evacuation, follow the instructions of the emergency services and collect only a few personal belongings.

Never take iodine tablets on your own initiative. Wait until the authorities advise you to take them.

Follow the recommendations by the authorities on the use of water and foods (such as vegetables from the garden, cow's milk, ...) from the zone that may have been contaminated by the release of toxic substances.